We’re all at various stages of experience with the war in which each of us are engaged. Some of you are generals or commissioned officers with extraordinary campaigns in your war history. Others are in the ranks struggling with the fatigue of long and arduous days of training or perhaps even a bit shell shocked from the battles.
What each of us fight to varying degrees is fear. Fear of outcomes, fear of pain, fear of the unknown….many things but perhaps the worst fear comes from our imaginings of what might happen.
Over the weekend I felt almost compelled to watch two movies and this morning I believe I understand why. The first movie was Gettysburg and there was something said by General Robert E. Lee that struck a chord:
“We did not seek out this war, it was thrust upon us.”
The second movie I watched was Gods and Generals (the prequel to Gettysburg) and in that movie Stonewall Jackson was asked by a subordinate who was surveying the carnage of Bull Run, “Sir, how is it that you can remain so serene?”
Jackson’s answer was,
“With God, I’m as safe in battle as I am in bed.”
And that, I believe, is the word the Lord has for some of you battle-weary soldiers today.
Obedience to what you know the Lord has told you to do, or not do, closes the doors the enemy uses to slip in and assault you with fear. Keep those doors closed and stay in the peace and serenity of the Lord. Leave the outcomes to Him for you know He has promised you deliverance and victory.
We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1: 8b-11
Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there. Anonymous
Topic: Safety In Battle
